| Autism is an increasingly prevalent disability in children. | | | | great choices. Oval balls, peanut shaped balls, and |
| One report states that 1 out of every 150 children born | | | | round balls all work well in giving children the |
| has some form of autism. This is an increase of over | | | | opportunity to roll balls back and forth with a teacher |
| 170% in the last 20 years. With this increase, there are | | | | or care giver. Even infant toys such as stackers are |
| now many doctors, teachers, and therapist who are | | | | great ways for children to perform the repetitive |
| experts in working with kids with autism. | | | | motions that are important to their sense of calm. |
| These experts agree that one important way to reach | | | | Balance and Movement Toys |
| autistic children and help them in their development is | | | | Along with playing with toys that require repetitive |
| through play. It is important to keep in mind that what | | | | motion, autistic children like to move themselves in a |
| "typical" children might play with, may be different than | | | | repetitive way. Many autistic children rock back and |
| what special needs children would like and benefit | | | | forth, do the same motion with their hands continually, |
| from. Here are some tips that can help you choose | | | | or may even bang their head. Many look at these |
| toys that are appropriate. | | | | motions as strange, however many researchers tell |
| Choose Toys Based On Developmental Level | | | | you that repetitive movements help autistic children |
| Before choosing toys for autistic children, it is important | | | | regulate their bodies. The motions sooth and center |
| to know what types of toys autistic children would | | | | them as yoga might for an adult. This is why swinging |
| benefit from. Toys should not be chosen based on | | | | or spinning are great options. |
| age. Since autistic children develop at different rates | | | | For the classroom or for therapy, movement toys |
| and there are varying levels of autism, toys should be | | | | bring about the desired feeling autistic kids are longing |
| chosen based on developmental level. This can be | | | | for. Balance boards are a good option. Children can |
| determined by observing the child. | | | | stand on the board and rock from side to side while |
| Repetitive Motion Toys | | | | keeping their balance. Rocking disks create the same |
| Autistic children like toys that require them to do | | | | feeling but children rock side to side while sitting. |
| repetitive motions. They like to try the same thing over | | | | Balance beams and mini trampolines are also good |
| and over and to figure out how things work. It offers | | | | ways to allow kids to balance and move. |
| them some type of calm. They soothe themselves by | | | | Finding the right toys for special needs kids in their |
| repetitive motion. They like to push buttons, turn knobs | | | | classroom, at home, or for therapy doesn't have to be |
| or, say the same phrases repeatedly. | | | | difficult. By following these tips and observing the likes |
| This need for repetitive motion can be fulfilled through | | | | and dislikes of the children you are working with, you |
| toys. Simple balls that children can roll back and forth | | | | can use these toys to teach and reach autistic children. |
| or exercise balls that children can sit on and roll are | | | | |